Sundown Mountain sets tentative last day

Unseasonably warm temperatures in Dubuque mean Sundown Mountain Resort’s more than 150 snowmakers are working overnight to keep its 75 acres of slopes covered in snow. The resort maintains at least 3 feet of snow, even as eastern Iowa experiences temperatures in the 50s. Producing enough snow to cover Sundown’s slopes takes about 20 million gallons of water to keep the slopes snowy every winter. A pump system brings water from the Little Maquoketa River to the resort’s snow machines, which can quickly replace feet of snow if needed. Despite last week’s warmth, expenses for snowmaking are down about 20% this season, after temperatures stayed near or below freezing for much of the winter. Sundown’s tentative last day is March 16.